Digestive Diseases A-Z

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Digestive disease topics are listed in alphabetical order. Select a letter to locate a disease or condition, diagnostic test, or anatomy topic.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts, supports, and coordinates research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. The NIDDK cannot provide medical advice for individuals. The information provided here is informed by NIDDK research, reviewed by doctors, and provided to help you understand more about the diseases and conditions you or your loved ones may face. The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health, the medical research agency of the United States.​​​​

Barium Enema

Barium Swallow

​Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which tissue that is similar to the lining of your intestine replaces the tissue lining of your esophagus. People with Barrett's esophagus may develop a rare cancer called esophageal adencarcinoma.​

Bile Ducts

Describes biliary atresia, a rare, life-threatening disease that damages the liver in newborns. Discusses symptoms and diagnosis. Describes the Kasai procedure––the most recognized surgical treatment for the disease.

Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis, Primary Biliary

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support basic and clinical research into many digestive disorders.​

Colonic Atresia

Colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera on one end to look inside your rectum and entire colon. Colonoscopy can show irritated and swollen tissue, ulcers, and polyps.

Feeding Tube

Flatulence

Provides general information about flexible sigmoidoscopy. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. This publication is also available in Spanish.

Provides general information about the lower gastrointestinal (GI) x-ray series. Describes the purpose of the test and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure. This publication is also available in Spanish.

PBC

A sore on the lining of your stomach or duodenum. People who take NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen long-term, are infected with the bacteria H.pylori, or have a tumor in the stomach, duodenum, or pancreas are more likely to develop peptic ulcers.​

Stomach Flu

Stomach Infection

The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include pain or discomfort in your abdomen and changes in how often you have bowel movements or how your stools look. Doctors aren’t sure what causes IBS.

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses an instrument called an endoscope to see the lining of your upper GI tract. Doctors use upper GI endoscopy to find, and sometimes treat, problems in the upper GI tract.​

Provides general information about upper gastrointestinal (GI) x-ray series. Describes the purpose of the test and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure. This publication is also available in Spanish.

Describes bowel control problems, or fecal incontinence, and its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Provides tips for doctor visits and coping with bowel control problems. This publication is also available in Spanish.

The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract-also called the digestive tract-and the liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus.